Ballinamore's Eilish O'Dowd helps Dubs to TG4 LGFA Senior title

Ballinamore has a new All-Ireland champion but in Dublin Sky blue after former Sean O'Heslins and Leitrim star Eilish O'Dowd helped Dublin regain the Brendan Martin Cup on Sunday afternoon when they defeated Kerry in the TG4 LGFA All-Ireland Senior Final in Croke Park.

O'Dowd played a crucial role in Dublin's 0-18 to 1-10 victory, making a critical blow on a goal bound Kerry shot in the first half and making a few big interceptions, her running power and energy around the field helping Dublin complete the double of Senior All-Ireland Mens and Ladies titles in 2023.

'I feel like I'm representing my county..'

See @LeitrimLGFA woman Eilish O'Dowd react after winning the @TG4TV All Ireland SFC with @dublinladiesg

Camera by @MQ_Video, video by @JeromeQuinn @WeAreDub @DubMatchTracker @LeitrimGAA pic.twitter.com/GcGo3CmTRh

— Ladies Football (@LadiesFootball) August 13, 2023

Speaking to Jerome Quinn on behalf of the LGFA, Eilish said "Honestly, it just magical. From when I started back in December, I don't think anyone thought we'd see this day. I can't actually put it into words how amazing it feels - it is just the best feeling ever."

Asked if she was a Dub or a Leitrim woman, Eilish laughingly replied "It's a good question! If you listen to the accent, I don't know if you go by that! Coming in from the start of the year, it has just been an amazing year, like I think we've progressed so much since we started. We had 14 new girls join the team, including myself, and I suppose we thought we'd be a transitioning team but it just sheer hard work. It is just amazing."

Asked what it was like as a Leitrim player joining the Dublin set-up, Eilish, whose sister Laura was vice-captain of the Leitrim Ladies team this year and whose cousin Keith Beirne is the Men's team top scorer, said "It's incredible, I feel like I representing my county, I know there is a lot of people supporting me and behind me today and I know they are so proud."

On Saturday, Glencar Manorhamilton reached the currentaccount.ie All-Ireland Senior Club 7s Final where they went down to a 4-10 to 1-7 defeat at the hands of Galway's current All-Ireland Club champions Kilkerrin-Clonberne. The Leitrim champions were the first team from the county to reach the Senior Final, although Kiltubrid did win the Senior Shield Final  back in 2015.

Leah Fox in action for Glencar Manorhamilton in the currentaccount.ie All-Ireland Senior Club 7s Final in Dublin on Saturday Picture: Sportsfile